The Power of Memorized Scripture

“Hello, this is your friendly conscience speaking.” Marcia recognized her friend’s voice on the phone.

During the past five years Marcia and a friend have memorized portions of Scripture. They call each other every Friday morning to recite the verses they've learned. Marcia’s learned she needs to be accountable to recite her verses to someone besides God. “Two are better than one. . . . If one falls down, his friend can help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10).

Marcia sees committing Scripture to memory not as an option, but as a command. “The word is in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8).

She carries a small Bible in her purse, so she can memorize Scripture while driving, waiting for an appointment and any other time she has a few minutes.

A few months ago they memorized Psalm 121, a portion of Scripture that reminded her that God is the only help we can depend on day and night. During those weeks she was memorizing the psalm, she had been stewing about constant doctor appointments and hospitalizations. As she waited outdoors one morning for her ride to a doctor's appointment, she felt God saying, “It’s okay. I will help you. I promised you that in Psalm 121.”

Marcia writes the Scripture to be memorized on a notecard or two and places them throughout the house. She leaves her open Bible on their dresser, where she sees it often.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven,” written on a notecard and placed above the washing machine gives her perspective on the never-ending loads of laundry. When the children’s closets needed cleaning, she wrote on a card, “A time to keep and a time to throw away” (Ecclesiastes 3:6).

Thank You, Lord, for the strength memorized Scripture gives to daily challenges.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).